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Topic: Middle East

August 21, 2014 |

Pasadena, CA – About 60 percent of California is experiencing “exceptional drought,” the U.S. Drought Monitor’s most dire classification. The agency issued the same warning to Texas and the southeastern United States in 2012. California’s last two winters have been among the driest since records began in 1879. Without enough water in the soil, seeds can’t sprout roots, leaves can’t perform photosynthesis, and agriculture can’t be sustained.

Currently, there is no ground- or satellite-based global network monitoring soil moisture at a local level. Farmers, scientists and resource managers can place sensors in the ground, but these only provide spot measurements and are rare across some critical agricultural areas in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

For several months, California has been in a state of “exceptional drought.” The state’s usually verdant Central Valley produces one-sixth of the U.S.’s crops. (White House via Wikimedia Commons)

Clarksville, TN – The few economic releases were generally positive and reports on corporate earnings were mostly on the high side of expectations, but the stock market seemed to pay little attention. Geopolitical tensions (Russia/Ukraine, Iraq, Israel/Hamas) and the ongoing Fed policy debate set market participants on edge.

Clarksville, TN – As was widely anticipated, the Federal Open Market Committee tapered another $10 billion from the monthly pace of asset purchases (now at $25 billion, with the program on track to be completed at the end of October).

The Fed provided no additional guidance on short-term interest rates, but repeated that the federal funds rate target would likely remain exceptionally low for “a considerable period” after the asset purchase program ends and that economic conditions will likely warrant a below-normal federal funds rate even as the Fed nears its employment and inflation goals.

Clarksville, TN – The economic data were mixed. New home sales were much weaker than expected in June, with a sharp downward revision to May (March and April figures were also revised lower) – however, these figures are reported with an enormous level of uncertainty.

Existing home sales improved, with a further increase in the number of homes for sale. Durable goods orders rose moderately, but details showed a lackluster trend in shipments of nondefense capital goods. The Consumer Price Index rose 0.3% (+2.1% y/y), inflated partly by the seasonal adjustment for gasoline (which rose 0.3% before adjustment and +3.3% after adjustment). Ex-food & energy, the CPI edged up 0.1% (+2.0% y/y).

Clarksville, TN – The retail sales and industrial production reports had similar stories – gains in June were disappointing relative to expectations, but figures for April and May were revised higher. These data (which are subject to revision) are consistent with a sharp rebound in economic activity in 2Q14 (following weather–related weakness in 1Q14), but also suggest some loss of momentum heading towards 3Q14.

Pasadena, CA – Nitrogen and oxygen make up nearly 99 percent of Earth’s atmosphere. The remaining one percent is comprised of gases that — although present in small concentrations — can have a big impact on life on Earth.

Trace gases called greenhouse gases warm the surface, making it habitable for humans, plants and animals. But these greenhouse gases, as well as clouds and tiny particles called aerosols in the atmosphere, also play vital roles in Earth’s complex climate system.

“Under the command of Lt. Col. Powers, 3rd Battalion has successfully executed hundreds of missions of critical importance across the entire Middle East,” said Col. John W. Brennan, commander of the 5th SFG (A). “From combat operations in remote locations of Afghanistan, to critical advise and assist missions in Iraq, and other locations throughout the Central Command’s area of responsibility—3rd Battalion has always risen to the challenges before them and emerged victorious.”

Col. John W. Brennan, commander of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), passes the colors to Lt. Col. Brent W. Lindeman, the incoming commander of 3rd Battalion, 5th SFG(A), during a change of command ceremony, July 1, 2014, held at Gabriel Field. (Pfc. Robert Vanegas)

Written by Staff Sgt. Barbara Ospina
5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Public Affairs

Fort Campbell, KY – In an emergency room or a hospital you will find a group of people who all have one thing in common; they need medical care. The level of care might range from a common cold, to a broken bone or life threatening trauma.

Our society has not only grown to rely on, but also to trust in our medical system and the care provided, whether it is a medic on an ambulance or by doctors in the emergency room.

Special Forces medical sergeants with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) learn invaluable skills during training with the staff and doctors at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Soldiers spend a four week rotation at the well known training hospital in order to keep their minds and skills sharp. (Courtesy Photo)

Clarksville, TN – LEAP Board President Katrina Bufkin passed the torch of leadership to President elect Joe Shakeenab. “While Joe’s term as President, officially begins January 1st, 2013, he has already made an impact on LEAP by laying out a Plan to assist the organization in building capacity” commented Richard “Reason” Garrett.

Joe has the distinguished honor of being a retired Special Forces Warrant Officer (Green Beret) with 28 years of military service. He spent 20 years of service with the 5th Special Forces Group. During his years of military travel to the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, He grew accustomed to sacrificing so others could have better opportunities in life. Today, he continues to take this concept with him and impart such principles in others. «Read the rest of this article»